Wall Street Journal - Politics

• newE.W. Jackson a wild card in Va. GOP campaign

  

  As midnight approached on the eve of the Republican convention in Virginia, party loyalists were tipping beers and listening to country music at a rollicking fete hosted by Pete Snyder, a front-runner for the nomination for lieutenant governor. Read full article >>    
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:50pm -
• newFederal worker has 61 years of federal service and no plans to retire

  

  It takes a special kind of person to really appreciate the Consumer Price Index. The CPI measures inflation, and lots of folks pay attention to it when the number (a 0.4 percent decrease in April) is released each month. Read full article >>    
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:45pm -
• newObama nominates former campaign aide to head OPM

  

  President Obama has nominated Katherine Archuleta, a top official in his 2012 campaign, to head the Office of Personnel Management. Archuleta, the second Hispanic nominee for a political appointment during Obama’s second term, served as national political director on his reelection team and helped organize the blockbuster Democratic National Convention in Denver during his 2008 run. Her work in the government includes roles as chief of staff to then-Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis from 2009 to 2011, senior policy adviser for the city and county of Denver from 2005 and 2009, and chief of staff to then-Transportation Secretary Federico F. Pena during the latter years of the Clinton administration. Read full article >>    
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:33pm -
• newAnalysis: Obama expresses regrets but seeks to retain anti-terror powers

  

  President Obama declared an end to a fearful chapter in American history on Thursday and demanded more from the country and himself as it enters the next. Obama’s speech at the National Defense University reflected an unusual ambivalence from a commander in chief over the morality of his administration’s counterterrorism policies. Read full article >>    
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:32pm -
• newThree big federal agencies to close Friday

  

  Three of the largest federal agencies will close to the public on Friday, the first time since the government shutdowns of the 1990s that large corners of the government have ceased operations on a weekday. Read full article >>    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:25pm -
• newWhat is it about Penny Pritzker?

  

  And here we thought Senate Republicans were sharpening their knives for Penny Pritzker , the billionaire hotel and real estate magnate nominated by President Obama to be commerce secretary. But during her first Capitol Hill hearing Thursday, the GOP seemed to have donned kid gloves just for the occasion. Read full article >>    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:56pm -
• newIRS names replacement for Lerner

  

  The Internal Revenue Service on Thursday announced that it had replaced Lois Lerner, a top official who oversaw the agency's "determinations" division during the scandal that involved targeting of conservative groups. Read full article >>    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:39pm -
• newObama, Christie to tour Sandy recovery on Jersey Shore

  

  President Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whose embrace in the wake of Hurricane Sandy was a memorable show of bipartisanship on the eve of last fall's election, will reunite on the Jersey Shore next week. Read full article >>    
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:30pm -
• newSri Srinivasan confirmed to serve on influential U.S. appeals court for D.C. Circuit

  

  The Senate unanimously confirmed Sri Srinivasan on Thursday to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, one of the nation’s most influential courts. The 97 to zero vote in favor of Srinivasan, the principal deputy solicitor general, marks the first time since 2006 that the Senate has confirmed a nominee to the D.C. Circuit. President Obama has been hoping to shift the conservative tilt of the court, which is poised to rule on several key elements of his second-term agenda in the months ahead. Read full article >>    
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:24pm -
• newGallup poll: 42 percent say the IRS is doing a poor job

  

  EARLIER ON THE FIX: Gun control vs. gun rights, in one interactive graphic Generic ballot tilts toward Democrats Why hasn't Lois Lerner been fired? Read full article >>    
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:24pm -

Political News - New York Times

• newThe Caucus: Obama Defies Critics With State Dept. Choice

  

  President Obama’s choice for assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs is Victoria Nuland, who was involved in editing controversial talking points about the attack last year in Benghazi, Libya.    
  - 57 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:04pm -
• newCongress Steps Up Anti-Sexual Assault Efforts

  

  A measure would limit a commander’s ability to dismiss a court-martial conviction and discharge those convicted of rape or sexual assault.    
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:26pm -
• newObama Seeks to Narrow Terror Fight

  

  In a widely anticipated speech, President Obama on Thursday said he would impose new curbs on the use of drone strikes, and he sought to renew his effort to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.    
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:56pm -
• newSenate Confirms Sri Srinivasan for Court Seat

  

  Filling a long-vacant seat on an important appeals court passes for progress in a legislative body where partisan wrangling continues to hold up many important posts.    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:28pm -
• newThe Caucus: Alabama Republican to Retire From House

  

  Representative Jo Bonner, a former chairman of the House Ethics Committee, will resign from Congress this fall to take a job at the University of Alabama, setting the stage for a special election.    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:59pm -
• newI.R.S.’s Lois Lerner, Who Refused to Testify, Is Suspended

  

  Lois Lerner, the head of the tax division on exempt organizations, was put on administrative leave a day after she invoked the Fifth Amendment before a House committee.    
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:20pm -

Politics - LA Times

• newImmigrant health care bills stump House group

  

  WASHINGTON--Differences over whether immigrants should be deported for failing to have health insurance or pay their healthcare bills have stalled a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, who blew past a self-imposed Thursday deadline as they press forward on a sweeping immigration overhaul.    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:32pm -
• newIRS replaces head of division that targeted conservative groups

  

  WASHINGTON -- Lois Lerner, the head of the IRS office under fire for improperly targeting conservative groups, was replaced by the agency's acting commissioner on Thursday, a day after she insisted she had done nothing wrong and refused to answer questions before a congressional committee.    
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:20pm -
• newSenate confirms Obama's first D.C. Circuit Court nominee

  

  WASHINGTON -- Deputy Solicitor General Sri Srinivasan, a rising star in legal circles, won an easy and unanimous Senate confirmation Thursday to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, giving President Obama his first appointee to a conservative-leaning court that decides major regulatory disputes.    
  - 9 hours ago, 23 May 13, 11:48am -
• newObama restricts drone strikes overseas

  

  WASHINGTON -- Under pressure from Congress and international allies, President Obama announced a change in what has been a central piece of his counter-terrorism strategy, saying he will place new restrictions on the targeting of terrorists with missiles fired from drones.    
  - 10 hours ago, 23 May 13, 11:24am -
• newConservative economists endorse immigration reform bill

  

  WASHINGTON -- More than 100 conservative economists will call on Congress to approve an immigration overhaul, highlighting the potential economic benefits.    
  - 21 hours ago, 23 May 13, 12:00am -
• Top IRS official pleads the 5th Amendment at testy House hearing

  

  WASHINGTON — A top Internal Revenue Service official invoked the 5th Amendment and declined to testify Wednesday before a House committee investigating the agency’s mishandling of applications by some conservative groups for tax-exempt status.    
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 8:47am -

Political News - USA Today

• Weiner posts 'understated' tweet about mayor's race

  

  Anthony Weiner tweets about his race for mayor, suggesting he's starting off low key.
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 5:06am -
• Ex-Miss America thinking about Senate bid in Ky.

  

  Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000, says she's being urged to take on Mitch McConnell.
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 2:58am -
• Gov. Walker travels to Iowa, sparks 2016 talk

  

  GOP governor heads to Iowa, stoking speculation about future White House bid.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 8:38pm -
• Chelsea Clinton takes on multifaith role at NYU

  

  Former first daughter helps lead a university program that reaches across religious lines.
  - 3 days ago, 21 May 13, 4:58am -
• Conn. Sen. Murphy takes food stamp challenge

  

  Democrat highlights the challenges of eating healthy on a budget of $1.60 per meal.
  - 3 days ago, 20 May 13, 7:04pm -
• Wall Street trade group taps ex-senator Gregg as CEO

  

  Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association lobbies for Wall Street firms.
  - 4 days ago, 20 May 13, 4:41am -

Local Politics - Chicago Tribune

• newIllinois concealed carry bill heads to House floor

  

  SPRINGFIELD --- An Illinois House panel today approved a concealed weapons bill that supporters say attempts to walk the fine line between gun rights advocates and gun control supporters, but some Chicago-area lawmakers want a more restrictive bill.    
  - 11 hours ago, 23 May 13, 10:16am -
• Illinois 70 mph highway speed limit bill sent to governor

  

  The Illinois House today sent Gov. Pat Quinn legislation that would raise the speed limit on non-urban interstate highways from 65 mph to 70 mph.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 7:08pm -
• Birth control in sex ed classes passes Illinois Senate

  

  SPRINGFIELD --- Illinois public schools that teach sex education will be required to provide information about birth control under a measure the Senate sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 12:22pm -
• Lawmakers go along with ComEd rate hikes, override Quinn

  

  SPRINFFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn's effort to block ComEd from hiking rates was rejected by state lawmakers on Wednesday.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 12:21pm -
• Chicago city stickers now on sale

  

  Chicago drivers can now make their annual payment for the privilege of keeping a car in the city.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 10:08am -
• House gambling sponsor recuses self because of potential conflict

  

  Lang's law firm ties to Calumet City prompt him to step aside — The Illinois House's longtime gambling expansion point man has dropped his sponsorship of a casino bill to avoid a potential conflict of interest.    
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 4:00am -

Politics - NY Daily News

• newFemale pols launch campaign against Vito Lopez

  

  A who's who of women pols launched an effort to keep pervy ex-Assemblyman Vito Lopez out of the City Council Thursday, backing his Democratic primary opponent, Antonio Reynoso, for the Brooklyn seat.    
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:46pm -
• newObama, Christie to tour Jersey Shore

  

  President Obama will visit the Jersey Shore on Tuesday with Gov. Chris Christie to view Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.    
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:46pm -
• newSenate Dems fail to overturn ‘Monsanto Protection Act’

  

  Score another Congressional victory for Monsanto.    
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:09pm -
• newLawyers oppose bill to limit bowling alley slip-and-fall suits

  

  ALBANY — Maybe they can settle it on the lanes. A bill meant to help bowling alley owners is pitting them against trial lawyers — and it’s likely the attorneys will win.    
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:53pm -
• newMayoral pack likes Bike Share

  

  When it comes to Mayor Bloomberg’s bike share program, the mayoral candidates are all along for the ride. Anthony Weiner - the newest entrant in the race for City Hall - flaunted his CitiBike membership tag on the Jim Lehrer Show Thursday.    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:28pm -
• newLawmakers push to exempt retired cops from new gun restrictions

  

  State lawmakers are trying to carve out a loophole for retired cops in the sweeping state gun control law that Gov. Cuomo has touted as the toughest in the nation.    
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:06pm -

Political News - Houston Chronicle

• newCartel member pleads guilty in agent's murder

  

  Cartel member pleads guilty in agent's murderHouston ChronicleCopyright 2013 Houston Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 8:13 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 WASHINGTON - A Mexican drug cartel member pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court onThursday to the murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agent Jaime Zapata of Brownsville during an ambush in Mexico."Special agent Zapata died for his country in a senseless brutal attack, and special agent Avila was grievously wounded in the same ambush by members of the Los Zetas cartel," said Mythili Raman, acting assistant U.S. attorney.Following the plea, the federal court unsealed documents that revealed the gui…
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:12pm -
• newSexual assault victims in military would gain rights under bill

  

  Sexual assault victims in military would gain rights under billHouston ChronicleCopyright 2013 Houston Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 6:57 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 WASHINGTON - The robust congressional response to sexual assault cases in the military took a new turn Thursday when Sen. Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation that would give military crime victims the same basic rights as civilian crime victims.1 Notify the victim about any public proceeding in an investigation, court-martial, involuntary plea hearing, pre-sentencing hearing, or parole hearing involving the offense or of any release or escape of the accused.Blumenthal introduced the legislation…
  - 4 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:57pm -
• newCapitol Hill appalled by sex-case data

  

  Capitol Hill appalled by sex-case dataHouston ChronicleCopyright 2013 Houston Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 4:25 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 After new accounts of retaliation against troops who report sexual assault emerged in a San Antonio Express-News series this week, Washington lawmakers and advocates condemned the military's handling of the issue and expressed growing urgency for reform.The investigative series "Twice Betrayed," detailed a pattern of questionable psychiatric diagnoses used by the military to expel victims, while many of the accused offenders faced no criminal punishment.In response to the series, Carl Woog, assistant press secretary for the…
  - 7 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:25pm -
• Veteran Galveston legislator won't seek re-election

  

  Veteran Galveston legislator won't seek re-electionHouston ChronicleCopyright 2013 Houston Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 11:04 pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Craig Eiland said it was time for him to be a good husband, a good father and a good lawyer - in that order.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 8:57pm -
• Texas lawmakers break budget impasse
  Texas lawmakers break budget impasseThey advanced proposals to give more money to schools, create a constitutionally dedicated account for water infrastructure and dip heavily into the rainy day fund to fuel that water account.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 8:31pm -
• An expensive celebration, courtesy of the Lobby
  
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 3:50pm -

Local Politics - Atlanta Journal

Politics - Dallas Morning News

• State's troubled tech, cancer initiatives await scrutiny in new Legislature
  
  - 4 Jan 13, 6:29pm -
• Political uncertainty is bad for stocks
  
  - 4 Nov 12, 5:55pm -
• Romney, Obama feud over formula to curb health care spending
  
  - 8 Oct 12, 7:57pm -
• Shelve partisanship and back away from 'fiscal cliff,' national-debt hawk Erskine Bowles says in Dallas
  
  - 2 Oct 12, 7:19pm -
• Retail politics: How do Obama, Romney online campaign shops compare?
  
  - 23 Jun 12, 7:22pm -
• Ron Paul to headline at state GOP convention
  
  - 17 May 12, 5:55pm -

Political News - Star Tribune

• newGOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  
  - 11 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:50pm -
• newGOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  
  - 39 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:22pm -
• newKline's student loan bill gains, but interest spike still looms
  House OKs Kline measure. The Senate has yet to weigh in.
  - 48 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:13pm -
• newGov. Dayton sides with Lessard-Sams Council in Legacy dispute
  Governor vetoed part of a bill that would have funded a slate of habitat projects in metro parks.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:46pm -
• newUS Rep. Jo Bonner resigning effective in August to take job with University of Ala. system
  
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:41pm -
• newObama seeks to move US beyond war years but keep drones, outlining a narrower terror threat
  
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:25pm -

Political News - Arizona Republic

• Rep. Jo Bonner resigning to take Ala. college post
  MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner announced Thursday that he is resigning from Congress effective in August to take a post with the University of Alabama system....
  - -
• GOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Scott Walker tried to introduce himself to Iowa Republicans Thursday as so many would-be presidential candidates often do - one of their own....
  - -
• Milestones for Guantanamo Bay detention center
  President Barack Obama on Thursday reaffirmed his 2008 campaign promise to close the military-run prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where terror suspects have been held since 2002, and begin the transfer of some prisoners to other countries. A look the facility's history:...
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• IRS replaces official in tea party controversy
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A day after she refused to answer questions at a congressional hearing, Lois Lerner was replaced Thursday as director of the Internal Revenue Service division that oversaw agents who targeted tea party groups....
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• Obama sees narrower terror threat, defends drones
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama sought Thursday to advance the U.S. beyond the unrelenting war effort of the past dozen years, defining a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists rather than the grandiose plots of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida....
  - -
• IRS replaces official in tea party controversy
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Moving quickly to stem a raging controversy, the new acting head of the Internal Revenue Service started cleaning house Thursday by replacing the supervisor who oversaw agents involved in targeting tea party groups....
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• Obama lifts ban on Guantanamo transfers to Yemen
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is lifting his self-imposed ban on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees to Yemen, where a leadership upheaval has improved the country's security but not eliminated a terrorist organization trying to recruit jihadists....
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• GOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Scott Walker tried to introduce himself to Iowa Republicans Thursday as so many would-be presidential candidates often do - one of their own....
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• Obama to tour Jersey Shore with Gov. Christie
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy....
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• Senate votes to cut crop insurance aid for wealthy
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate on Thursday voted to limit the amount of government subsidies the wealthiest farmers receive when purchasing crop insurance....
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Local Politics - Cleveland Plain Dealer

• newState ballot board clears a hurdle for group working to legalize marijuana (video)
  Now, sponsors of the Cannabis Rights Amendment have to collect 385,253 signatures in at least 44 of the state's 88 counties for the proposal to qualify on a ballot. The earliest voters could vote on a measure would be in 2014.
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:52pm -
• newEx-Rep. John Boccieri says he has no immediate plans to run for Congress
  "I have been approached by constituents far and wide, voters who have asked me to consider running again, and would love to see me run, but I am happy serving my country right now in the military and raising my family," Boccieri said.
  - 9 hours ago, 23 May 13, 11:40am -
• newInvestigations recommend 135 cases from November election for prosecution for voter fraud, Secretary of State Jon Husted reports
  Husted directed that the county boards investigate claims of election misconduct as a result of political hyperbole about voter suppression and voter fraud before the election.
  - 11 hours ago, 23 May 13, 9:40am -
• newRep. Ron Maag says 46% of Medicaid expansion money would be borrowed from foreign governments that don't 'like us very much': PolitiFact Ohio
  Free money from Washington sure sounds enticing. But State Rep. Ron Maag, a Southwest Ohio Republican, says he doesn’t believe it’s really free. PolitiFact Ohio checked out his statement.
  - 17 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:00am -
• newCleveland Red-Light cameras: Editorial cartoon
  Cleveland welcomes Hollywood movie shoots and red-light traffic cameras.
  - 18 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:33am -
• Ohio House bill would expand Medicaid to cover state's working poor
  The proposal would extend coverage to Ohioans with incomes up to 138 of the federal poverty level and also require the Legislature and administration to search for cost-saving reforms.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 5:00pm -
• Ohio Senate delivers fatal blow to Internet cafes
  The Senate voted in favor of House Bill 7, effectively banning Internet cafes in the state. Gov. John Kasich is on board with the decision and will sign the bill once it reaches his desk, his spokesman said.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 4:38pm -
• Rep. Tim Ryan and new wife purchase spacious home in Howland Township
  One real-estate listing said the house on a private cul-de-sac has a "breathtaking 2 story foyer with dramatic staircase," as well as a "magnificent kitchen with granite countertops, hardwood floors, pantry, center island with eating bar, cooktop and built in oven." The kitchen opens to a "vaulted great room featuring gorgeous fireplace."
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 3:30pm -
• Rep. Tim Ryan pressures Brazil to extradite accused killer by defunding U.S. visas for its citizens
  Rep. Tim Ryan today scored a victory in his six-year battle to extradite an Air Force pilot's accused killer from Brazil by getting the House Appropriations Committee to defund immigration visas for its citizens.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 2:40pm -
• Ohio Republicans grill IRS officials at congressional hearing (video)
  Champaign County Republican Rep. Jim Jordan probed former IRS commissioner Douglas Shulman on whether he discussed how conservative applications were handled with anyone at the White House during the 118 visits he made there in 2010 and 2011. Shulman insisted he had not.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 2:00pm -

Politics - Seattle Times

• newMayoral candidate Peter Steinbrueck pushes livability
  Seattle mayoral candidate Peter Steinbrueck answers a few questions about his background and plans for the city
  - 24 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:37pm -
• newGOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  Scott Walker tried to introduce himself to Iowa Republicans Thursday as so many would-be presidential candidates often do - one of their own.
  - 41 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:20pm -
• newIRS replaces official in tea party controversy
  Moving quickly to stem a raging controversy, the new acting head of the Internal Revenue Service started cleaning house Thursday by replacing the supervisor who oversaw agents involved in targeting tea party groups.
  - 45 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:16pm -
• newNY senator: Assaults let military culture continue
  Charges that an Army sergeant secretly photographed and videotaped women at West Point are part of a military-wide pattern of sexual misconduct, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said Thursday.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 8:01pm -
• newObama to tour Jersey Shore with Gov. Christie
  President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 8:01pm -
• newRep. Jo Bonner resigning to take Ala. college post
  U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner announced Thursday that he is resigning from Congress effective in August to take a post with the University of Alabama system.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:40pm -

Government & Politics - STL Dispatch

• newDespite debate, city-county economic development tie-up wins aldermanic vote
  More votes yet to come in measure that would unite jobs agencies
  - 7 hours ago, 23 May 13, 1:45pm -
• newGauen: Shield laws bring rules to the news leaking game
  Search of AP phone records triggers fresh talk of reporter protections.
  - 23 hours ago, 22 May 13, 10:15pm -
• new$7 million more in mental health funding could go to St. Louis County children
  An assessment showed bullying substance abuse and disruptive behavior pervade St. Louis County public and private schools. 
  - 23 hours ago, 22 May 13, 10:15pm -
• Ferguson-Florissant school district to put tax hike on ballot
  FERGUSON-FLORISSANT SCHOOLS • Ferguson-Florissant School District will seek voter approval for a property tax increase at the Aug. 6 election, the school board decided Wednesday night after a …
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 8:45pm -
• Frontenac OKs budget that gives workers small raise
  FRONTENAC • Frontenac's new budget will again provide a 2.5 percent pay increase for employees, the same as the one adopted for last year, as key revenue sources continue to approach the level…
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 7:48pm -
• New Illinois House gun bill has more restrictions
  SPRINGFIELD, Ill. • A compromise allowing the carrying of concealed weapons backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan and agreed to by the General Assembly's leading gun-rights advocate material…
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 6:18pm -

Local Politics - Baltimore Sun

• newHarris calls for expanded audit of education spending

  

  Criticism of city schools mounts after critical findingsCriticism of city schools mounts after critical findings
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:06pm -
• newRuppersberger issues statement on schools audit

  

  Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger on Thursday joined the chorus of lawmakers criticizing Baltimore City schools for spending stimulus money and dollars designated for poor children on $99-per-person fried chicken dinners, a makeover day and two cruises through the Inner Harbor.
  - 8 hours ago, 23 May 13, 1:03pm -
• Former Balto. Co. exec Smith in talks for transportation job

  

  Former Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith is one of the final candidates in talks to become Gov. Martin O'Malley's new transportation secretary, according to several people familiar with the situation.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 6:57pm -
• Lawmakers press Pentagon, VA to cooperate on claims backlog

  

  Baltimore office among worst-performing in nationA bipartisan group of lawmakers pressed the Obama administration Wednesday to reduce the backlog of disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs by improving cooperation between the several agencies that have a role in the process.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 4:04pm -
• Council to consider mayor's proposed pension changes

  

  Civilian workers would contribute to pensions for first time in decadesWith the city retirement system short hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded liabilities, officials say they are likely to begin requiring municipal employees to contribute to their pensions.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 5:26pm -
• Policy pits candy against sugar

  

  Senate considers whether to extend sweet dealSome of Baltimore's best-known candy makers are pressing Congress to overturn a decades-old sugar policy they say is leaving a bad taste in their mouth.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 4:14pm -

Politics - Miami Herald

• newGOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  Scott Walker tried to introduce himself to Iowa Republicans Thursday as so many would-be presidential candidates often do - one of their own.
  - 37 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:24pm -
• newGOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa
  Wisconsin's Republican governor, Scott Walker, is introducing himself to Iowa Republicans as would-be presidential candidates often do - as one of their own.
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 7:14pm -
• newObama to tour Jersey Shore with Gov. Christie
  President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:54pm -
• newObama sees narrower terror threat, defends drones

  

  President Barack Obama sought Thursday to advance the U.S. beyond the unrelenting war effort of the past dozen years, defining a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists rather than the grandiose plots of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida.
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:24pm -
• newIRS replaces official in tea party controversy

  

  A day after she refused to answer questions at a congressional hearing, Lois Lerner was replaced Thursday as director of the Internal Revenue Service division that oversaw agents who targeted tea party groups.
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:54pm -
• newForeign Service officer made millions in visa-for-money scam, feds charge
  A State Department official “received several million dollars in bribes” from Vietnamese residents seeking visas, according to newly public court documents.
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:44pm -

Political Views - Oregonian

• newOregon counties to receive $2 million held under sequestration by Department of Interior
  Oregon timber counties will soon get $2 million in federal payments that had been held back by the sequestration law.
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:37pm -
• Portland and its aversion to fluoride reflects Oregon's unusual politics
  In voting against fluoride, Portland followed a long Oregon tradition of cutting against the mainstream.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 5:19pm -
• Sen. Wyden on IRS scandal: Political groups should expect scrutiny if they seek 501(c)4 status
  Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., says that if politically oriented groups want to avoid scrutiny, they shouldn't seek tax status from the IRS that allows them to hide the identity of their donors.
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 8:46am -
• Portland's high water quality helps boost fluoride opponents to victory
  Portland's high-quality water was a key selling point with voters who turned down a fluoridation measure in Tuesday's election.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 9:41pm -
• In Oregon's timber counties, a split decision on public safety levies could lead to legislative action
  Curry County voters reject a public-safety levy, further deepening a sense of crisis that may bring legislative action. However, Lane County voters agreed to raise taxes to preserve jail and other public safety operations.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 9:36pm -
• Background negotiations on gun legislation continue in Oregon Senate
  A controversial package of gun bills remains stalled in the Oregon Legislature as backers try to figure out how they can revive them.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 5:24pm -

Politics - Pittsburgh Post

• At Pennsylvania Society, politicians' eyes are on coming elections
  Another presidential election cycle barely in the books, state politicos were already trading gossip at the Pennsylvania Society gathering.
  - 9 Dec 12, 9:00pm -
• Smart Growth conference in Pittsburgh focuses on transportation, infrastructure
  This week's 12th annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Smart Growth Conference will focus on three issues.
  - 9 Dec 12, 9:00pm -
• Allegheny County assessment appeals taking a long time
  The Allegheny County Board of Viewers won't get to some assessment appeals before 2014.
  - 9 Dec 12, 9:00pm -
• Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett values unexpected moment with Justice Scalia
  On a weekend when Pennsylvania political types mingle on a grand scale, even Gov. Tom Corbett had a chance encounter that left him impressed
  - 9 Dec 12, 9:00pm -
• Obama, Boehner meet on 'fiscal cliff' deal
  President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met Sunday at the White House to discuss the impending "fiscal cliff."
  - 9 Dec 12, 9:00pm -

Politics - Kansas City Star

• newHickman Mills school board stages a coup and ousts its president
  Breman Anderson Jr. is removed in a 4-3 vote after one of his allies defects.
  - 6 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:55pm -
• newNew federal judge from Lawrence is on a soaring career path
  With his Senate confirmation by a 97-0 vote, Sri Srinivasan will become the first South Asian federal appellate judge. And he could be bound for the U.S. Supreme Court.
  - 9 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:52pm -
• newKansas Senate passes plan to cut sales tax on groceries
  The Senate voted 25-14 to pass the tax plan after failing to reach an agreement with House members over a dispute about how much of a sales tax increase should be renewed. The Senate plan keeps the state sales tax rate at 6.3 percent but would slice it on groceries to 4.95 percent. It now goes to the House, where approval is questionable.
  - 44 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:17pm -
• newProsecutor declines case over KC check for event that never occurred
  The Jackson County prosecutor's office won't pursue a case against Ossco Bolton, who has refused to return the $15,000 check. The money was intended to bring Las Vegas boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Kansas City for a Dec. 8 youth mentoring event that did not take place.
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:08pm -
• newBrownback vetoes bill expanding Kansas raffles
  A bill that would have allowed limited expansion of charity raffles was vetoed by Gov. Sam Brownback on Thursday.
  - 7 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:15pm -
• newCode Pink co-founder interrupts Obama's counterterrorism speech
  Code Pink peace activists have heckled George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, Sen. John McCain and Mitt Romney. Today, its co-founder Medea Benjamin interrupted President Barack Obama's counterterrorism speech several times before she was escorted out of National Defense University.
  - 9 hours ago, 23 May 13, 12:14pm -

Government & Politics - OC Register

• newScouts to admit openly gay boys
  Tustin's Chuck Habing has been an adult volunteer in the Boy Scouts since 1996 and until recently was among those opposed to openly gay boys in the organization.But he was among those applauding Thursday's vote of 1,400 members of the scouts'...
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:45pm -
• newQuarrel over pumps delays flood control station for four years
  An effort to prevent flooding in Seal Beach with a new pump station and water basin has turned into a $28 million money pit.The Los Alamitos Pump Station is now 4 years behind schedule and more than $6 million above the initial budget. Meanwhile,...
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:38pm -
• newSorting out who pays to investigate pollution
  SACRAMENTO – The legislative process can be rocky for even the simplest bill, but it's been particularly rough this year for a proposal by the Orange County Water District.Introduced in early April, Senate Bill 658 has galvanized opposition so...
  - 13 hours ago, 23 May 13, 8:08am -
• newCosta Mesa commits funds for homeless housing plan
  Costa Mesa took the first step toward creating permanent housing for a portion of the city's homeless when the City Council voted Tuesday night to commit $500,000 in federal money to a housing project."Supportive housing has to be a piece of the...
  - 14 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:46am -
• Immigration reform gets mixed O.C. reaction
  WASHINGTON – Reaction to the go-ahead vote this week on immigration reform in the Senate Judiciary Committee was swift and mixed in Orange County. And while prospects for passage in the full Senate show positive signs, tests remain in upcoming...
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 6:11pm -
• O.C. to pay former sheriff candidate Bill Hunt nearly $2 million
  SANTA ANA – The County of Orange is paying nearly $2 million to settle a lawsuit brought by former Sheriff's Lt. Bill Hunt, who ran against then-Sheriff Mike Carona in 2006, then was demoted to patrol duty after he lost the election.The agreement...
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 6:06pm -

Political Views - Orlando Sentinel

• newThursday Morning Reads: Citizens, Gerrymandering and women in politics

  

  TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Thursday.
  - 16 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:11am -
• AG Bondi goes after Urban Outfitters

  

  
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 12:29pm -
• Appeals court shields lawmakers from testifying, showing draft maps in redistricting lawsuit

  

  TALLAHASSEE – A divided appeals court ruled Wednesday that Florida legislators should not be questioned under oath about whether they "intended" to gain partisan advantage when they re-drew congressional maps last year.
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 10:21am -
• Wednesday Morning Reads: Elections, super bowls and foreclosures

  

  TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Wednesday.
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 6:39am -
• Obama meets with Central Florida woman to talk immigration

  

  A Winter Park woman was among several advocates for immigration reform who met Tuesday with President Barack Obama at the White House.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 2:46pm -
• Gov. Scott signs elections bill extending early voting

  

  TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Rick Scott has signed an elections bill that attempts to reverse some of the restrictions the Republican-controlled Legislature put in place in 2011, including allowing more early-voting.
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 1:05pm -

Political Views - Las Vegas Review

• newNRC chairman maneuvers Yucca Mountain minefield
  The Yucca Mountain project may be dead, or close to dead for the time being. But it still is a political minefield on Capitol Hill. Ask Allison Macfarlane, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission who has been renominated to remain as chairman and who answered carefully when pressed about
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:41pm -
• Reid fundraiser draws designer audience
  Far from Searchlight, Sen. Harry Reid held a cocktail party fundraiser Friday in New York City hosted by Marianne Nestor Cassini, who runs Oleg Cassini Inc., the fashion design company named after her late husband. Women's Wear Daily sent a reporter , who wrote that Reid "looked as relaxed as can
  - 2 days ago, 21 May 13, 3:59pm -
• Reid discloses lesbian niece in call for equal rights bill
  Sen. Harry Reid has disclosed he has a niece who is gay, calling it a personal reason he supports prohibiting workplace discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation. “My niece is a lesbian,” Reid said Wednesday in an interview with liberal bloggers. "She's a school teacher.
  - 7 days ago, 16 May 13, 10:56am -
• Domenici hopes to repair rift with Harry Reid
  Former Sen. Pete Domenici says he’s surprised that he’s been shut out by his old friend, Sen. Harry Reid, but hopes to repair their relationship tattered by disclosure of a long-ago extramarital relationship. The Republican from New Mexico was contacted by the Albuquerque Journal on Wednesday for a
  - 14 days ago, 10 May 13, 12:38am -
• Heller targeted as Dems regroup on guns
  Sen. Dean Heller's approval dipped among Nevadans after he voted this month against stricter background checks for gun purchases, according to a poll released today and promoted by backers of President Barack Obama. The survey by Public Policy Polling came as the Obama administration and its
  - 24 days ago, 29 Apr 13, 4:23pm -
• Nevada students in National Science Bowl
  Teams from two Las Vegas schools pitted themselves against students from across the country over the weekend in the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. Students from the Meadows School competed in the high school division that measured schools in a Jeopardy-style competition. Hyde Park Middle
  - 24 days ago, 29 Apr 13, 2:48pm -

Election News - Sacramento Bee

• newMaldonado's long-shot bid for California governor may help GOP -- even if he loses

  

  Since announcing several weeks ago that he is considering running for governor, Abel Maldonado has raised a tiny sum of money, established a Facebook page and started mocking incumbent Gov. Jerry Brown online.State Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, left, shares a light moment with Sen. Lou Correa, D-Anaheim, before his confirmation hearing at the Capitol Monday. The California Senate voted 25-7 to approve Maldonado as California's lieutenant governor . The 42-year-old Maldonado, who was nominated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is expected to be sworn in this week to replace Democrat John Garamendi.April 26, 2010State Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, answers media questions after his successful confirmation as California's lieutenant governor at the Capitol Monday. Th…
  - 38 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:23pm -
• Rand Paul visits Iowa, triggers talk of 2016 White House bid

  

  Sen. Rand Paul brought his national ambitions to Iowa on Friday, ripping potential Democratic rival Hillary Clinton while urging his own Republican Party to broaden its appeal as he campaigned like it was already 2016.Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) speaks at the 2012 Republican National Convention
  - 11 days ago, 13 May 13, 7:42am -
• Woodland considers district elections to comply with voting rights act

  

  For much of Woodland's history, there have been two constants: Its City Council members have always been elected citywide, and they have nearly always been white.
  - 11 days ago, 12 May 13, 2:55pm -
• Republicans call for an inquiry into IRS' targeting of conservative groups

  

  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. on Friday called for the White House to conduct a "transparent, government-wide review" after the IRS admitted that they scrutinized conservative groups during the 2012 election.A tea party supporter sits on the Capitol steps during a Sacramento rally last year, holding a signthat compares President Obama to Cuba’s Fidel Castro.
  - 11 days ago, 12 May 13, 10:34am -
• McCarty to run for Assembly
  Sacramento City Councilman Kevin McCarty will run again for the Assembly in 2014, four years after losing a close race for a legislative seat.
  - 22 days ago, 2 May 13, 8:21am -
• Cutting benefits puts Democrats at political risk
  Whether or not Republicans ever agree to a budget deal with President Barack Obama, one thing seems certain: Now that he has officially put Social Security and Medicare benefits on the negotiating table, opponents on his party's left will make that an issue for Democrats in the midterm elections next year – and perhaps in the 2016 presidential contest.
  - 40 days ago, 14 Apr 13, 7:39am -

Politics - Tampa Tribune

• newScott veto means USF students costs only rising slightly

  

  
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:55pm -
• newCity rejects hiring budget analyst

  

  
  - 7 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:17pm -
• newObama: Policy in leaks investigations under review

  

  
  - 7 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:11pm -
• newBondi wants fake prescription merchandise off shelf

  

  
  - 16 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:21am -
• Leaders of county, cities map Hillsborough transit strategies

  

  
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 7:10pm -
• Judge issues injunction against Pasco ?land grab?

  

  
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 6:59pm -

Political News - Charlotte Observer

• newQuestions raised over checks at center of sweepstakes probe
  Records shows checks were sent to state politicians before last election…Click to Continue »
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:39pm -
• newGov. McCrory backs state House’s Dorothea Dix compromise
  Gov. Pat McCrory announced his support Thursday for the compromise version of a bill to renegotiate Raleigh?s lease on the Dorothea Dix property.Click to Continue »
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:51pm -
• newLawmakers give green light to I-77 tolls
  A leading Republican lawmaker ? and a senior transportation department official ? said Thursday that work on new Interstate 77 toll lanes could start next year.Click to Continue »
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:23pm -
• newN.C. lawmaker apologizes about public conflict with Speaker Tillis
  Both Republican lawmakers named Brawley reacted Thursday to the public conflict one had Wednesday with the speaker of the House.Click to Continue »
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:33pm -
• newFormer McCrory aides on Peacock team
  Charlotte mayoral candidate Edwin Peacock has signed on a team that helped fellow Republican Pat McCrory win the governor?s job last year.Click to Continue »
  - 9 hours ago, 23 May 13, 12:04pm -
• Foxx draws praise at Senate hearing for transportation post
  Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, President Barack Obama’s U.S. transportation secretary nominee, had an easy two-hour confirmation hearing before a Senate committee Wednesday.Click to Continue »
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 8:42pm -

Political News - Hartford Courant

• newSenate Approves Minimum Wage Hike; Sunday Deer Hunting Approved By House; Racial Profiling Law Strengthened

  

  The state Senate voted Thursday night to raise the minimum wage — after a huge clash between Republicans and Democrats.    
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:44pm -
• newChief State Medical Examiner Carver Retires

  

  Long-time chief state medical examiner H. Wayne Carver announced Thursday that he is retiring and will be replaced by the deputy medical examiner in New York City.    
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:58pm -
• School Pool Safety Bill Clears House In 140-0 Vote; Senate Next

  

  Malloy Unsure If He'd Sign Measure Into lawPrompted by recent drowning deaths of students in public schools, the state House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously approved bipartisan legislation to increase safety in swimming pools.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 7:42pm -
• Connecticut's Landmark Gun Law Faces Challenge In Federal Court

  

  A coalition of gun owners, gun dealers and firearms rights organizations have sued the governor and members of the state's attorney's office, contending that the gun law passed in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings violates the Constitution.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 7:30pm -
• Secretly Drafted Bill Would Leave Release of Some Newtown Investigative Records Up To Families

  

  A secretly drafted bill to block release of photos, tapes of 911 calls and death certificates related to the Dec. 14 Newtown elementary school massacre could be acted on in the General Assembly as early as the end of the week, officials said Wednesday.    
  - 1 day ago, 22 May 13, 5:38pm -
• Donovan Says: I Never Fell For Scheme; My Vote Was Never For Sale

  

  Former Congressional Candidate Gives Most Detailed Comments Since Scandal Broke Nearly A Year AgoIn his most detailed comments since the scandal broke last year, former House Speaker Christopher Donovan said Tuesday that he never fell for a campaign finance scheme by an FBI informant and that his vote in the legislature was never for sale.    
  - 2 days ago, 22 May 13, 8:10am -

Local Politics - San Jose Mercury

• newClimate change: Environmentalists question whether Gov. Jerry Brown's actions match his rhetoric
  California Gov. Jerry Brown helped showcase scientists' new call to urgent action on climate change, but critics say he's diverting money away from that goal for the next year.
  - 56 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:05pm -
• newAmid crack video uproar, Toronto mayor Rob Ford fires chief of staff
  TORONTO (AP) -- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, caught up in a scandal over a video purportedly showing him smoking crack cocaine, fired his chief of staff on Thursday.
  - 7 hours ago, 23 May 13, 1:49pm -
• newObama calls drone strikes legal and necessary but says he's haunted by civilian deaths
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama on Thursday defended America's controversial drone attacks as legal, effective and a necessary linchpin in an evolving U.
  - 8 hours ago, 23 May 13, 1:13pm -
• newDocument: Text of Obama speech on counterterrorism, May 23, 2013
  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's speech on the fight against terrorism at the National Defense University, as provided by the White House: ------ It's an honor to return to the National Defense University.
  - 8 hours ago, 23 May 13, 1:08pm -
• newApple's Irish tax deal has been sweet from the start
  Apple has operated almost tax-free in Ireland since 1980, welcomed by a government keen to bring jobs to what was then one of Europe's poorest countries, former company executives and Irish officials have said.
  - 10 hours ago, 23 May 13, 10:40am -
• newHobby Lobby seeks exemption to covering morning-after pill for employees
  DENVER -- In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.
  - 12 hours ago, 23 May 13, 9:03am -

Politics - Wall Street Journal

• newIRS Official Placed on Administrative Leave
  Lois Lerner, the IRS official at the center of a controversy over targeting of conservative groups, was placed on administrative leave, according to lawmakers.
  - 49 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:12pm -
• newObama Resets War on Terror
  Obama outlined the next phase of his administration's counterterrorism efforts, detailing tighter standards for the use of unmanned drone strikes and making the case for closing the military-run prison at Guantanamo Bay.
  - 54 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:07pm -
• newEx-Senate Aide Weighed to Lead CFTC
  The White House is considering Amanda Renteria to succeed Gary Gensler as chairman.
  - 58 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:03pm -
• newHouse Immigration Effort Hits Bump in the Road
  Eight House lawmakers were forced to backtrack from an "agreement in principle" on overhauling immigration after Democratic leaders objected to a provision dealing with health-care coverage for illegal immigrants.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:58pm -
• newDetails Released on California Health Exchange
  Average premiums in California's new online health-insurance marketplace won't be as high as predicted by actuaries, though they will vary widely, according to the agency setting up the exchange.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:54pm -
• newStates' Rift on Taxes Widens
  Minnesota's move to raise $2.1 billion in new taxes, largely from the wealthy, to fund government programs puts it among a handful of states controlled by Democrats that are adopting more liberal fiscal policies.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:37pm -
• newSenate Clears Obama Pick for D.C. Circuit Court
  For the first time, Obama has succeeded in placing a judge on a key Washington appeals court. The Senate unanimously confirmed Justice Department lawyer Sri Srinivasan for a seat on the court.
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 7:27pm -
• newBoy Scouts to Allow Gay Youth
  The Boy Scouts of America have decided to allow gay youth to openly join its ranks, reversing a longtime ban.
  - 2 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:51pm -
• newLatest Ricin Suspect Served a Prison Term
  A man whom prosecutors charged Wednesday with sending a ricin-laced letter to a federal judge had spent 18 months behind bars for a sex crime more than a decade ago.
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 6:24pm -
• newIn Bid for Clarity, Fed Delivers Opacity
  Fed chief Ben Bernanke knows clear communication is key to managing market expectations for the central bank's bond-buying program, but discordant voices make clarity easier said than done.
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:42pm -

Local Politics - SF Chronicle

• newGOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to Iowa

  

  GOP's Walker touts state ties during trip to IowaAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 8:21 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 [...] the Wisconsin governor weighing a 2016 bid for president spent seven years as a young child living in Plainfield, a tiny town in northwest Iowa Walker referred to a half-dozen times during a 40 minute speech at a Republican fundraiser.More broadly, the rising GOP figure prescribed what he characterized as a Midwestern approach to politics and the way for Republicans, back-to-back White House losers, to win again.The first-term governor, who has won party acclaim for taking on unions and overcame a contentious recal…
  - 42 mins ago, 23 May 13, 8:19pm -
• newRep. Jo Bonner resigning to take Ala. college post

  

  Rep. Jo Bonner resigning to take Ala. college postAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 7:42 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 In the letter to his congressional colleagues, the six-term Republican said he will resign to become vice chancellor of government relations and economic development at the University of Alabama System.The governor's press secretary, Jennifer Ardis, said the governor has not set a timetable for the special election.UA system spokeswoman Kellee Reinhart said school officials have not determined how much Bonner will be paid in his new position.
  - 1 hour ago, 23 May 13, 7:38pm -
• newObama to tour Jersey Shore with Gov. Christie

  

  Obama to tour Jersey Shore with Gov. ChristieWASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.The White House says the president will tour the coastline with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday and speak about the need to expand economic opportunities for middle-class families hit by the storm.
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:49pm -
• newNY senator: Assaults let military culture continue

  

  NY senator: Assaults let military culture continueAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 5:55 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Charges that an Army sergeant secretly photographed and videotaped women at West Point are part of a military-wide pattern of sexual misconduct, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said Thursday.The allegation comes the same month the Pentagon released a report estimating that as many as 26,000 military members may have been sexually assaulted last year and that thousands of victims are unwilling to come forward despite new oversight and assistance programs.Service members afraid of retaliation or jeopard…
  - 3 hours ago, 23 May 13, 5:46pm -
• newObama sees narrower terror threat, defends drones

  

  Obama sees narrower terror threat, defends dronesAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 4:33 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama sought Thursday to advance the U.S. beyond the unrelenting war effort of the past dozen years, defining a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists rather than the grandiose plots of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida."Neither I, nor any president, can promise the total defeat of terror," Obama told his audience of students, national security and human rights experts and counterterror officials.A rare coalition of bipartisan lawmakers has pressed for more ope…
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:18pm -
• newObama lifts ban on Guantanamo transfers to Yemen

  

  Obama lifts ban on Guantanamo transfers to YemenAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 4:48 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is lifting his self-imposed ban on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees to Yemen, where a leadership upheaval has improved the country's security but not eliminated a terrorist organization trying to recruit jihadists.Obama wouldn't send them home and no other country was welcoming them, and their hopelessness after a decade or more of imprisonment had contributed to a hunger strike at the detention facility that helped reignite the long-stalled effort to close it.[...] Obama's…
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 4:04pm -
• newTea party vs. old guard in GOP Senate rift

  

  Tea party vs. old guard in GOP Senate riftAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 4:04 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 WASHINGTON (AP) — A long-simmering feud between establishment Republicans and tea partyers broke into full view Thursday, with Sen. John McCain accusing younger colleagues of overplaying their hands and tempting Democrats to change Senate rules that protect the minority party.Tactics for dealing with the government's budget and debt became the latest quarrel In a string of them between McCain —sometimes joined by other traditionalist Republicans —and tea party champions such as Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike…
  - 5 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:48pm -
• newAP NewsAlert

  

  AP NewsAlertGRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys as Scouts; ban on gay adult leaders remains.
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:09pm -
• newSenate votes to cut crop insurance aid for wealthy

  

  Senate votes to cut crop insurance aid for wealthyAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 3:50 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 Supporters have deflected other attempts on the Senate floor to reduce government help for agriculture, including proposals to trim sugar subsidies and crop insurance.Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., argued that the amendment would result in fewer people buying insurance and undercut a separate provision in the bill that would require farmers buying crop insurance to comply with certain environmental standards on their land.While cutting some other subsidies to divert money to deficit re…
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 3:03pm -
• newNJ students to help Michelle Obama harvest garden

  

  NJ students to help Michelle Obama harvest gardenAssociated PressCopyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 3:01 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 The New Jersey students are from Union Beach Memorial School in Union Beach and Long Beach Island Grade School in Ship Bottom.Mrs. Obama planted the garden in 2009 to help launch her campaign against childhood obesity and to encourage healthier eating.
  - 6 hours ago, 23 May 13, 2:59pm -